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Fibromyalgia is most commonly experienced among women aged 20 to 50, and is characterized by long-lasting, systemic pain and tenderness in the body’s joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues, as well as anxiety, depression, and GI distress. It’s origins are unknown, though possible causes or triggers may include physical or emotional trauma, abnormal response to painful stimuli, disturbances in sleep, or certain viral infections.

Typical treatment protocols might include physical therapy, exercise, stress relief, medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or lifestyle changes, depending on the individual. Successful treatment of pain and psychological symptoms in Fibromyalgia has proven elusive, since no single approach appears to work for every patient and the condition’s prognosis is long-term and variable, with no known prevention strategy.

Data was collected pre, mid, and post-program to assess changes in pain, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness. Cortisol levels were assessed through salivary cortisol collected 3 times daily for 2 days, pre- and post-intervention.

Results indicated significant improvements (increases) in cortisol levels, as well as acceptance and mindfulness. Reductions in pain and catastrophizing were also observed. Authors Curtis, Osadchuk, and Katz (2011) theorize that “the changes in mindfulness and cortisol levels may provide preliminary evidence for mechanisms of a yoga program for women with Fibromyalgia,” noting that “future studies should use an RCT [randomized controlled trial] design with a larger sample size.”

Poses and sequences recommended for those managing Fibromyalgia symptoms must be accommodated to the individual, but most yoga is helpful if the practitioner is working with a qualified instructor familiar with the needs of Fibromyalgia patients, or is able to modify based on his or her needs.

Have you or anyone you know found yoga to be a useful practice to improve fibromyalgia symptoms?

Tosca Park, a 200-hour Kripalu Yoga instructor and 500-hour Integrative Yoga Therapist, is a doctoral student in Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Connecticut, where she conducts research on yoga, mindfulness, and health with her mentor, Dr. Crystal Park, and collaborators. Prior to UConn Tosca spent five years as a research intern and project manager with Kripalu's Institute for Extraordinary Living, an organization devoted to the scientific study of yoga-based curricula. She holds bachelor's degrees from Reed College and SUNY Empire State College in history and health psychology, respectively, and has more than 2,000 hours of training in yoga, Ayurveda, and the mind-body connection.

Comments 1

I took up yoga to help me build on my core strength and help improve back pain I have been suffering. I have had no help from Dr who suggests back pain is mechanical, and that was that. I have found Yoga to be a help and have now taken up a daily practice, I am also studying to be a Yoga therapy teacher. I have a few friends who suffer fybromyalgia or similar and would like to offer some constructive help. I have found the breathing techniques to be invaluable, particularly when stressed or upset. Niki

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Yogic Wisdom

Inhale, and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.